The+Family+Compact

[|The Family Compact]

**__The Family Compact __**

The Family Compact was a small group of very wealthy and influential business men who had control over Upper Canada, now known as Ontario. They were in power over the //__legislative assembly__// and //__executive council.__// They had nearly full control of business, politics, banking, and education, the issuing of land grants, the courts, and affairs of the Anglican Church. This group came into power because of the //__War of 1812__//. Some members of the Family Compact include John Galt, John Graves Simcoe, William Badgley, Sir David W. Smith, and several more men.



The legislature was elected from the general eligible voters, although used ulterior motives in order to ensure they won. Blackmail, pressure and bribery were just some of the tactics they used. The executive council also gave their support behind the compact candidates. Once elected, they were proven to not support poor farmers or citizens. They gave many privileges to Upper class people, most did not agree with this system of government and wanted change.

New settlers from Great Britain and the United States to Upper Canada found themselves denied political opportunity. They created an opposition movement, which soon after became the //__Reform party__//. Some of the most vocal supporters of opposition to the Family Compact include William Lyon Mackenzie. He was a radical minded reformer. He was against Upper Canada's governmental system; he wrote articles in his newspaper about the corruption of the political group. Eventually, his anger and passion about caused him to lead an armed rebellion against the colonial government. Louis Joseph Papineau became the leader of the radical movement in Lower Canada in the 1830s, which later led him to the rebellion that took place in 1837. He made many speeches, wrote articles and stood out as a leader for change.

 This frustration and actions from citizens about the Family Compact were a major contributor in their withdrawal from government. They fell out of power after a change was made, fair election and responsible government was held under the Baldwin - Lafontaine Reform Ministry in 1848.


 * __Glossary__**

Legislative Assembly: In Canada, a legislative assembly is the body of people elected in each province and territory to make and pass laws.

Executive Council: A council having the highest executive power or authority.

War of 1812: A war between Great Britain and the US, fought mainly along the Canadian border from 1812-14.

Reform party: Political movement during 1830-40’s urging for Responsible Government.